This Classic Sunday Sauce is a warm hug in a bowl! Loaded with juicy meatballs and rich tomato sauce, it’s perfect for a cozy family dinner. You’ll love the mouthwatering aroma!
I always serve it over spaghetti, and let me tell you, it’s hard to resist second helpings. Plus, it’s a great way to make extra meatballs for the week. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: You can use just ground beef or mix in pork and veal for extra flavor and tenderness. If you’re looking for a healthier version, ground turkey or chicken works too!
Breadcrumbs: Fresh breadcrumbs create the best texture, but in a pinch, you can use store-bought. For gluten-free options, try using crushed gluten-free crackers or oatmeal.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice flavor to the meatballs. If you don’t have it, Pecorino Romano is a great alternative. Nutritional yeast also makes for a dairy-free option.
Tomato Products: Canned crushed tomatoes are essential for a rich sauce. If fresh tomatoes are in season, chopped ripe tomatoes would be delicious! Tomato puree can be used if you like a smoother texture.
Herbs: Fresh herbs elevate the dish. If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried works too (just halve the amount). Basil or thyme can add unique flavors!
How Do You Get the Meatballs to Hold Together?
Getting meatballs to hold together can be tricky, but it’s all about balance. Here’s a simple method:
- Mix the ingredients gently, overmixing can make them tough.
- Use breadcrumbs to help bind, but don’t skip the milk—it adds moisture!
- Chill the prepared meatballs in the fridge for 20-30 minutes before cooking. This helps them firm up and stay together while frying.
Another tip is to roll them gently and evenly so they cook uniformly. Happy cooking!
What’s the Best Way to Simmer the Sauce?
Simmering is essential for flavor development. Here’s how to do it right:
- After adding all your ingredients to the pot, bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Partially cover the pot with a lid to keep moisture in while allowing some evaporation. This thickens the sauce.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to integrate the flavors.
- Don’t rush it! A long simmer—45 minutes to an hour—lets the flavors meld beautifully.
Always taste and adjust seasoning at the end; that’s where you make it yours!
Classic Sunday Sauce with Tender Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef, pork, and veal)
- 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
For the Sunday Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
For Serving:
- Cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- Grated Parmesan cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes for preparation and about 1 hour of cooking time. So, set aside roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes in total to create this delightful meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, mix together the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Use your hands or a fork to combine these ingredients gently but thoroughly, being careful not to over-mix.
2. Shape the Meatballs:
Once the mixture is ready, form it into meatballs about 1 1/2 inches in diameter and place them on a plate or tray.
3. Brown the Meatballs:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Carefully add the meatballs and cook them, making sure to turn them occasionally, until they are browned all over. This should take about 7-8 minutes. Once done, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
4. Make the Sauce:
In a large pot or deep skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Add the Tomatoes:
Now, stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6. Combine with Meatballs:
Carefully place the browned meatballs into the simmering sauce. Partially cover the pot and let everything simmer on low heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour. This slow cooking helps the flavors develop and makes the meatballs tender.
7. Final Touches:
After simmering, taste the sauce and adjust any seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper if desired.
8. Serve:
To serve, spoon the meatballs and sauce over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley and top with grated Parmesan cheese.
Enjoy your hearty and comforting Classic Sunday Sauce with Tender Meatballs!
FAQ for Classic Sunday Sauce with Tender Meatballs
Can I Freeze the Meatballs and Sauce?
Absolutely! You can freeze both the meatballs and the sauce separately or together in an airtight container. Just let them cool completely before freezing. They will keep well for about 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm gently on the stove.
What Can I Use Instead of Fresh Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have fresh breadcrumbs, store-bought breadcrumbs work well as a substitute. You can also use crushed crackers or even rolled oats for a gluten-free option. Just ensure you adjust the quantity if using a different texture!
How Do I Make This Recipe Spicy?
To add some heat, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the sauce. Start with an additional 1/4 teaspoon and adjust according to your taste. You can also add a diced jalapeño or other spicy peppers when sautéing the onions for an extra kick!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for a lighter option! Just keep in mind that turkey tends to be drier, so you might want to add a bit more milk or even grated vegetables to help keep the meatballs moist.
